ADDER

The Latin name for the adder is Vipera berus.

One of the best-known adders is the Common adder, also known as the Common European viper. Like all vipers, the Common adder is venomous, but it is less aggressive than most venomous snakes and its bite is rarely fatal to humans. This reptile is the only venomous snake found in Great Britain and is the only snake found in Scotland.

The Common adder usually grows to a length of 65cm and occasionally reaches 90cm. Adult males are usually pale grey with a contrasting black pattern of zig-zag stripes. Females may be brown or reddish-brown with a dark-brown pattern of zigzag stripes. Individuals from some populations may be entirely black. 

The Common adder preys heavily on small rodents, but it also eats lizards. 

Adders live in a variety of habitats including moors, bogs, open woods, moist meadows and hedgerows. The Common adder is found in lowlands and in mountainous regions up to about 3,000 m.